ESPN’s ‘First Take’ is one of the most popular sports shows on the network, but viewers have grown frustrated this week without host Molly Qerim. The 41-year-old has hosted ‘First Take’ since 2015 but has been absent this week for undisclosed reasons, and though ESPN has rotated hosts, fans haven’t been impressed.
Stephen A. Smith is a regular feature on the show, and his hefty workload has seen him land a new five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN. Qerim is also a fan favorite and is often credited with keeping Smith in check, along with other regular guests such as Chris Russo, Dan Orlovsky, and Mina Kimes.
However, Qerim has been away all week and hasn’t posted anything on social media, with ESPN not clarifying why she’s been absent from the show. Shae Peppler Cornette, Joe Fortenbaugh, and Peter Schrager have replaced Qerim this week, but have struggled to have the same impact.
Cornette is the ESPN anchor for ‘SportsCenter’ and also used to report for the Chicago Bears, but fans didn’t respond positively to her role as ‘First Take’ mediator. Schrager also tried his best, but he’s best known for his role as an NFL analyst, and not a show host.
Sports betting analyst Fortenbaugh was also given an opportunity and has appeared on ‘First Take’ several times in 2025. While the stand-in hosts all did their best, loyal fans of the show all missed Qerim.
“Thank you ESPN for ruining my week. First Take without Molly Qerim on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday,” one fan wrote on X. “I’m done with this week. No Molly Qerim on First Take,” another added.
“I never realized how much this show really needs Molly Qerim,” one fan claimed. “Qerim actually carries First Take it feels so different without her,” another fan said in agreement.
After receiving a Master’s degree from Quinnipiac University in broadcast journalism, Qerim began her career as an anchor and reporter for the CBS Sports Network. Qerim then joined ESPN and hosted ‘College Football Live’ before reporting for ‘Fantasy Football Now,’ earning an Emmy Award for her work.
Qerim has since gone on to cover many Super Bowls, the Heisman Trophy presentation, the NBA Draft, the NBA All-Star Game and the MLB All-Star game, before landing her role on ‘First Take’ in 2015. Qerim loves recording the show, but still has a passion for interviewing top sports stars.
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“My favorite time at work is either when I’m on set with the guys, cracking jokes with each other and having a good time,” Qerim said to New Era. “And also interviewing – I’m really fascinated by people when I can connect and learn from them and hear their story.
“In terms of athletes, you want to convey the truth and their story. You want to inform the viewer and also entertain them – sports are hopefully a respite.”
